Phuket is undoubtedly the most visited island in Thailand. Whether you’re looking to relax on its beaches or use it as a base to explore Koh Phi Phi, the Koh Yao islands, or other tropical paradises, this pearl of the Andaman Sea is well worth a visit.
While there are direct international flights to Phuket, it’s common to arrive in Bangkok first and then figure out the best way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket using the mode of transport that suits you best.
The distance between Bangkok and Phuket is about 850 kilometers, and although there are good roads connecting these two destinations, traveling by land can be quite lengthy. Fortunately, despite Phuket being an island, it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge, so you won’t need to take a boat to reach this beautiful destination.
The flight route from Bangkok to Phuket has the most connections during the high season and remains frequent nearly all year round, so finding a flight that fits your needs shouldn’t be a problem. Additionally, ticket prices are usually very affordable, with one-way flights often available for around 25 euros if booked in advance.
Keep in mind that Bangkok has two airports, both located some distance from the main tourist areas. The primary airport is Suvarnabhumi (BKK) (map), but many low-cost flights depart from Don Mueang (DMK) (map).
Our recommendation is to choose the airport that offers the best combination of timing and price for your flight. If you’re heading to Suvarnabhumi, reaching the airport is straightforward via the Airport Rail Link train, which costs just 30 baht. For Don Mueang, the most convenient way is to go to Mochit station and take the A1 bus. In both cases, a taxi ride to the airports costs around 300 baht.
Phuket Airport (map), however, is located in the north of the island, quite far from some of the most popular beaches like Kata or Nai Harn. There are public buses and shared vans available to take you to any destination on the island.
Although there is no direct train to Phuket, one of the most practical ways to travel overland from Bangkok is to combine the train with a shuttle bus. To do this, first take a train from Bang Sue central station (map) in Bangkok to Surat Thani. This journey takes at least ten hours, and you can choose between air-conditioned sleeper cars or cheaper fan-cooled compartments.
Once you arrive in Surat Thani, you’ll find buses to Phuket located conveniently near the train station, with plenty of information available on how to continue your journey. It’s a good idea to book both your train and bus tickets in advance. The bus trip from Surat Thani to Phuket usually takes about four hours.
Traveling by bus from Bangkok to Phuket can be quite long, taking up to 14 hours. However, the buses are extremely comfortable, similar to business class on a plane, with large seats, individual TVs, power outlets, and plenty of air conditioning. Be sure to bring a blanket or something warm to stay cozy during the ride.
We recommend purchasing your bus ticket on 12GoAsia. The downside to taking the bus is that it often costs around 20 euros, which is roughly the same price as flying. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel from Bangkok to Phuket.
